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Institute for Natural Family Planning Model

The Marquette Model brings 21st-century technology to NFP by using urine fertility biomarkers collected at home that measure hormone levels. These biomarkers can be used in conjunction with cervical mucus or basal body temperature and an algorithm to confidently determine the woman’s fertile window.

Who can use the Marquette Model of NFP?

Couples seeking to space pregnancies

Couples struggling with fertility

Breastfeeding women

Perimenopausal women

Women with irregular cycles

Women interested in health monitoring

How can you learn more about NFP?

The Marquette University Institute for Natural Family Planning provides professional services for those who wish to practice NFP. Professional nurses who are specialists in teaching natural family planning provide couples with beginning educational sessions held monthly or longer as needed. Couples also meet with the nurse individually to discuss their unique needs.

Professional innovative NFP services

The Marquette University College of Nursing Institute for NFP has been providing professional services since 1985. In 1999 a new method of NFP was developed that used the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor. Today the method has advanced to include several different biomarker devices to detect urinary (estrogen, LH and progesterone. These biomarkers are recorded in online chart system, free IPhone app (Android app coming soon).

Ongoing Natural Family Planning Research

In April 2007, a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of an online NFP education and service program for couples administered by professional nurses at Marquette University began and is ongoing.

Benefits of NFP

Biological

Women and couples who practice NFP chart important menstrual cycle signs that can be used to identify serious health problems. Subcommittees of both the American Pediatric Association (APA) and the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AAOG) have recommended monitoring the menstrual cycle as a vital sign for adolescents and young women. Others have recommended that women of all reproductive ages monitor their menstrual cycle to identify potential health problems. Studies have shown a link between indicators of the menstrual cycle with cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, gestational diabetes, anorexia, unusual uterine bleeding, and sub-fertility.

Philosophical

The practice of NFP and periodic abstinence, far from harming married love, confers upon married life a higher human value. The many positive benefits of being chaste within marriage and practicing NFP includes a better understanding of ones fertility, increased communication, self-mastery of one’s sexual desires, a greater generosity toward new human life and an openness to God’s will.